Spinal X-ray

Back X-Ray, Neck X-Ray, X-Ray, Back, X-Ray, Neck, X-Ray, Spine

Results

Spinal X-rays are pictures of the spine to find spinal fractures, infections, dislocations, tumors, bone spurs, or disc disease. In an emergency, the doctor can see the initial results of a spinal X-ray in a few minutes. Otherwise, a radiologist usually has the official X-ray report ready the next day.

Spinal X-ray

Normal:	The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are normal in number, size, shape, appearance, and how they are lined up.
	No broken bones, dislocations, or foreign objects are present. The soft tissues around the vertebrae look normal.
	The spine is not abnormally curved.
Abnormal:	Broken bones, dislocations, or foreign objects may be present.
	The spine is abnormally curved, such as from scoliosis.
	Diseases that affect the spine, such as thin bones (osteoporosis) or arthritis, may be present. One or more bones in the spine may be abnormal because of a condition such as cancer, infection, trauma, or that was present from birth (congenital).
	Disc disease, which is fairly common, can sometimes be seen on a spinal X-ray as a narrowed space between the bones of the spine. Bone spurs can also be seen.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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